The quickest way to turn off your Samsung tablet
Press and hold the power button on the side or top of your tablet until a menu appears on screen. This usually takes three to five seconds. You will see options including "Power off" or "Shut down" — tap that option, then confirm when prompted. Your tablet will shut down completely within a few seconds.
The power button location varies by model. On most Samsung tablets, it is on the right edge when held in portrait mode. On some older models, it may be on the top edge. If you are not sure which button is the power button, look for the button that wakes the tablet when you press it briefly — that is the one to hold down.
If your tablet is frozen or not responding, holding the power button for 10 to 15 seconds will force it to shut down. This is harder on the device than a normal shutdown, so use it only when the tablet will not respond to taps or swipes.
Key Takeaways
- Press and hold the power button until a menu appears, then tap "Power off" to shut down normally.
- The power button is usually on the right edge of the tablet in portrait mode, though some models have it on top.
- If your tablet is frozen, hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds to force a shutdown.
- A normal shutdown closes all apps and saves your work, while a forced shutdown should only be used when the tablet is not responding.
Where to find the power button on different Samsung tablet models
Samsung has placed the power button in different locations depending on the tablet model and year. On Galaxy Tab S series tablets (the most common Samsung tablets), the power button is on the right edge. On Galaxy Tab A models, it is also typically on the right edge. On older Galaxy Tab models, the power button may be on the top edge instead.
If you cannot locate the power button by looking at the edges, try waking the tablet first by pressing each button briefly until the screen lights up. The button that wakes it is the power button. Once you know which one it is, you can use it to shut down by holding it down.
What happens when you turn off your Samsung tablet
When you shut down your tablet normally, all running apps close and your work is saved. The screen goes dark, and the tablet uses almost no battery power while off. You can turn it back on at any time by pressing the power button briefly.
If you turn off your tablet and do not plan to use it for weeks or months, it will slowly drain its battery even while powered down. Most Samsung tablets can hold a charge for several weeks in the off state, but if you plan a long storage period, consider charging it every few months to keep the battery healthy.
Restarting instead of shutting down
If your tablet is running slowly or an app is misbehaving, restarting it often fixes the problem without fully shutting it down. Press and hold the power button until the menu appears, then tap "Restart" instead of "Power off." Your tablet will shut down and turn back on automatically within 30 seconds.
A restart clears temporary files and resets running processes, which can solve freezing, slow performance, or app crashes. If an app keeps crashing, restart the tablet before uninstalling the app — the restart often solves the problem on its own.
Using Samsung's settings menu to power off
You can also shut down your tablet through the Settings app instead of using the power button. Open Settings, scroll down to "About tablet" or "Device information," then look for a "Shut down" or "Power off" option. Not all Samsung tablets have this option in Settings, so the power button method is more reliable.
The Settings method takes longer than holding the power button, so most people use the power button for everyday shutdowns. The Settings route is useful if your power button is broken or stuck and you need to turn off the tablet.
Troubleshooting a tablet that will not turn off
If your tablet will not shut down when you hold the power button, try holding it for a full 15 seconds without releasing. Some tablets require a longer hold to respond. If the screen is completely black and unresponsive, the tablet may already be off or the battery may be completely drained.
If the power button feels stuck or broken, try pressing it from different angles or with slightly more pressure. If it still does not work, charge the tablet for at least 30 minutes, then try again. A completely dead battery can prevent the power button from responding. If the button remains unresponsive after charging, the power button hardware may be damaged and you may need to contact Samsung support or a repair service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will turning off my tablet erase my files or photos?
No. Turning off your tablet does not erase anything. All your files, photos, apps, and settings remain on the device. When you turn it back on, everything will be exactly as you left it.
How long does it take to turn off a Samsung tablet?
A normal shutdown takes 5 to 10 seconds from the moment you tap "Power off" until the screen goes dark. A forced shutdown (holding the power button for 10 to 15 seconds) happens faster, but it is harder on the device.
Can I turn off my tablet while it is charging?
Yes. You can shut down your tablet while it is plugged in. It will remain off and continue charging. When you turn it back on, the battery will be at whatever level it reached while charging.
What is the difference between turning off and sleep mode?
Sleep mode (pressing the power button briefly) turns off the screen but keeps the tablet running and using battery power. Turning off (holding the power button and selecting "Power off") shuts down the tablet completely and uses almost no battery. Use sleep mode for short breaks; use power off if you will not use the tablet for hours or longer.
Why is my tablet taking a long time to shut down?
If your tablet is slow to shut down, it may be closing many apps or saving data in the background. This is normal and usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. If it takes longer than a minute, try a forced shutdown by holding the power button for 15 seconds instead.